Little Bear wants to visit someone new!

A long time ago, when it was my thousandth post, I said I would have a giveaway. I didn't say what it would be but planned to make a bear. Eventually Little Bear was born-well-made, and he would like to come travelling to see someone new. I hope that if you would like to give him a home, then you will leave me a comment on this post. Sometime next week I will have a draw, and then, off he will fly!

 He moved for this photo!

Dolls Again!

 Latest lot of dolls halfway through. I took a different approach to their clothes this time-there was a slight black and white theme with some-a bit of the Breton influence, but each one was different. I felt like a mini fashion designer and I liked that feeling! These are not great photos-the dolls are in their ziplock bags to keep them clean and dust free, but you get the idea. I made these little outfits and a couple of them made me want to have a big version!

 This one is one of my favourites-I am getting better at finishing the clothes neatly and understanding how the patterns work. This dress and cardi combo really pleased me!

 This one was an exercise in problem solving-the skirt is wrap around and the top a bit big really but once tied with the skirt looked ok. I like the mix of patterns.

 This one looks quite sixties. I used the button holes on the shirt (I used old clothes and charity shop clothes for this latest lot and she needed something extra.)  I struck upon the idea of a mohair jacket. My friend Clare has a black and a white furry jacket and they look great so that also helped me!

 This doll is a naughty ebay purchase-inspiration is my excuse! I love that row of pearl buttons.

 Gorgeous hair.

 A bit smelly so she had a bath.

 She looks happy.

 Doll unrelated cloud picture.

Coffee in the square at lunchtime, with my friend from work and the charming baby starlings. She took much better pictures than me which I may share later!

Small Story

The Adornment

 

It died in the end anyway.

 

 I always try to save these tiny creatures, and sometimes it works. The one I found half-dead the other day just needed some water and fruit, and after a while, it must have revived because it was gone when I went back to check. There are more often failures than successes though. A creature may look perfect and beautiful on the outside, but inside be hopelessly broken. It makes me cry.

 

The most recent of the creatures I tried to help was the saddest. When I found it, I could see it was badly hurt, as it moved awkwardly and slowly, not with the normal fast grace of its kind. It managed to hide from me and I pretended that it would get better, and be gone when I looked for it, and I was glad, as I could not imagine putting an end to its life. A kindness perhaps, but not one that I would be able to perform.

 

Hours later, I realised that the creature was still nearby, hiding under a convenient structure. I felt remorse for leaving it to suffer for so long, and so, I picked it up and gently placed it in a small house. I put water near to its head, hoping it would be able to take a drink. I used the information systems of the world to discover the food it might like, and I tried to provide something suitable from what I had. I kept the creature away from the danger of predators, and hoped it was warm.

 

I did my best.

 

And then I watched it die.

 

I watched it with hope, which I imagined I saw reflected in its seemingly intelligent eyes. My hope was made stronger by the ability of the creature to move. Three times I had checked on it, and each time it had been in a different place.

 

I wondered how much it knew or understood of what was happening to it. Were the concepts of kindness and compassion possibilities in its mind?

 

Then, it died.

 

I made sure, hope surviving even then. I waited a long time. No Breath. No movement. I still waited, the weight of that tiny life too much to bear.

 

When I was sure, I lifted it, and placed it in an improvised shroud. I placed it on the ground, to become part of a new life. As I laid it down, its long hair blew across its face, and a tiny metal pin fell to the ground. When I looked closely, there was a sparkle from the gem so finely set into the end of the pin. I wondered at such tiny and insignificant creatures spending the time to make adornments for themselves, when mere survival was such a struggle.

 



Some photos of the garden and lazy or not?

Meandering thoughts about all sorts of things mostly never make it to this blog-not very interesting and sometimes plainly nonsense. One such thought occured to me on the way home though, and I was reminded of it  by Anairam, who said in her comment on the post below that I am always busy and that she is lazy (but on her blog that is not the impression-Anairam you are always busy making something wonderful, or working hard or just looking after the lovely Snous, and having trips out and about)
1) I am a Libra, and traditionally am meant to be a bit lazy ( I quite believe in astrology!) I have never thought of myself as lazy as I do so much all the time and work hard and meet deadlines etc etc. However, as I drove home tonight I realised I am selectively lazy. I work really hard at some things, but totally neglect others. If it wasn't for Andy I wouldn't eat very healthily at all. I hardly do any exercise. I do the house work as I get to a point of not being able to stand it, but I could do so much more (but resent the time it takes)
Then there is the garden. I have phases of doing lots, then I let it drift. It is currently in a drifting state.

 Weed and small statue with lichen.

Translucent seedheads.

 A surprising orange sunflower.

 An intricate geranium.

 Giant sunflower seedhead gone to sleep.

 Fuchsia and strands.

I can never rememeber the name of this plant, but really appreciate the way it appears now to provide some autumn colour.

This Week

Being back at work, combined with racing to make as many things for the craft fair as possible, has left little time for anything else-or energy! I have barely looked at the computer-a bit at my phone but not much. Once I get a routine going at work I think things will be better, but at the moment there are new staff to get to know, new children and parents, a re-landscaped playground to assess and arrange(still at the borrowed school), and all the jobs that need to be done at the start of the year to get things going. Little moments have been catching my eye as usual, and I thought I would just say hello and share a few of them. I hope that the week has been good to you.

 It is so sweet when cats do this. The other thing that makes me smile is when they forget their tongue is poking out!

 One of the many cabbage white butterflies now hatching all over the place. Some survive, and some don't, but where possible I have been trying to help them by giving them some apple. This butterfly did survive.

 This year's crop-the result of going on holiday during a heatwave! They were delicious though!

 Tiger managed to find a spot on the cluttered table.

 Not the blue moon-but the one the night after-so nearly!

 Crochet clouds.

 The next batch of dolls. It occured to me that it would be easier to embroider the faces and do the hair before the heads are attached to the bodies and it was.

 The amazing view from the room at the top of the teaching building at Goldsmiths University where we went on Wednesday for a course. Many London landmarks are visible. The millenium wheel, the post office tower, the shard, St Paul's, the natwest tower and the gherkin.

 The blanket and dolly are united at last-I made this for my friend's daughter and she loved it. Now her son wants one! He did a very sweet video on his Mum's phone, but he may have to wait a while!

 Lily relaxes as I sew.

 Cassie takes a risk and sniffs Tiger's paws.

 One of the dolls in a bag, waiting for a dress. I doctored the picture using an app. called 'Vintique' which I love.

The view from the cafe at lunchtime. It has been such a lovely sunny day. Right, back to the sewing!

Project Lionheart

Amazing! Shauna Richardson is the artist who made these. In the video below it details how and why. So impressive, and an absolute marathon of crocheting! Right, back to that scarf...

Dolls